charlyhors Posted October 1, 2016 Report Share Posted October 1, 2016 We're heading south and were wondering if anyone could advise us about Colorado 17 between Antonito, Co and Chama, NM. We are towing a 30' FW. It's marked scenic, but there are 2 passes on the route. Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Garth Bacon Posted October 1, 2016 Report Share Posted October 1, 2016 Two nice Boondocking spots @ 37.091434 -106.379567 and 37.063330 -106.400773 '02 2830 Trek Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
accumack Posted October 1, 2016 Report Share Posted October 1, 2016 We stayed in Chama NM for 2 months and left on Monday. We rode our dual sport motorcycles to Antonito several times we saw many large 5th wheels on 17 you should have no problems. Our dual sports have 12 hp and top out at about 65 mph a few hills we slowed to about 50 mph. There are few turns as you climb up you just go slow there are buses full of tourist that go to Chama for the train everyday with no problems. Hope this helps. 2011 Berkshire 390-rb-40, upgraded tires and front axle airbags, 2012 Jeep Wrangler 2 door, Blue Ox baseplate and BlueOx aladdin tow bar, Blue Ox Patriot brake system, wiring run through right frame rail and homemade led taillight bar. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Newt Posted October 1, 2016 Report Share Posted October 1, 2016 Just about any where you want to go, 18 wheelers go every day. It's just what you are comfortable with. Newt 2012 HitchHiker Discover America 345 LKSB 2009 Dodge/Cummins LIVINGSTON TX Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlyhors Posted October 1, 2016 Author Report Share Posted October 1, 2016 Thanks all. I like to check mtn passes out, as there are a few that are impassable to longer vehicles due to tight switchbacks - north of Sedona to Flagstaff, for instance Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JRP Posted October 1, 2016 Report Share Posted October 1, 2016 CO17 from Antonito to Chama, in either direction, is a very scenic and fairly easy drive (except winter). The two passes are at opposite ends of a high plateau. You go from around 8000 ft up to 10,000 ft and then across a long high plateau at 10,000 ft, then down the other side. The east side is just under 6% grade and the west side is only 5% grade. The east side has a couple switchbacks near the top, but no issue for any size rig. The scenic Cumbres & Toltec railway ride follows this route. This area is especially impressive during our fall leaf season, but the color show was a bit early this year and many of the high country leafs are gone. We're heading south and were wondering if anyone could advise us about Colorado 17 between Antonito, Co and Chama, NM. We are towing a 30' FW. It's marked scenic, but there are 2 passes on the route. Thanks Jim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigjim Posted October 1, 2016 Report Share Posted October 1, 2016 Did you know a Catapella can stop a train. Last spring I rode the train out of Chama to Anotnito and a migration of catapella getting squashed on the rails made it so slippery we lost traction and almost didn't complete the trip. As it was we were late getting to Antonito and thus late getting back on the shuttle bus. Just an interesting side note. Just in case I will relate that once I drove up to ride the train from Antonito end and got there just in time to catch the train. I was going to gas up when I got back. SURPRISE for me, the only gas station in Antonito had run out of gas. I took a risk and drove super efficiently and made it to Chama. I don't know what the situation is at Antonito now in regards to fuel availability but it is good to know to be careful. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Al F Posted October 1, 2016 Report Share Posted October 1, 2016 Thanks all. I like to check mtn passes out, as there are a few that are impassable to longer vehicles due to tight switchbacks - north of Sedona to Flagstaff, for instance US-89A from Sedona to Flagstaff has a steep climb with some pretty tight switchbacks that I wouldn't want to see an 18 wheeler on. However we drove that route from S to N in 2007 towing our 35 foot 5th wheel and didn't have a problem. I wouldn't call it impassable. Some tight switchbacks but with slow driving it was not a problem. A lot of the mountain driving is what you are comfortable with. Al & Sharon 2006 Winnebago Journey 36G 2020 Chevy Colorado Toad San Antonio, TX http://downtheroadaroundthebend.blogspot.com/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ronmon Posted October 1, 2016 Report Share Posted October 1, 2016 Gotta ask.... what is a "catapella"? Ron Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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